Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn, in full Franz Joseph Haydn (born March 31, 1732, Rohrau, Austria—died May 31, 1809, Vienna) Austrian composer who was one of the most important figures in the development of the Classical style in music during the 18th century. He helped establish the forms and styles for the string quartet and the symphony.

Joseph Haydn, detail of a portrait by Thomas Hardy, 1791; in the collection of the Royal College of …

Early years

Haydn was the second son of humble parents. His father was a wheelwright, his mother, before her marriage, a cook for the lords of the village. Haydn early revealed unusual musical gifts, and a cousin who was a school principal and choirmaster ... (100 of 3,743 words)